Reynold J. LaMontagne

AUGUSTA – Reynold J. LaMontagne, 85, of Augusta passed into eternal rest with family by his side on Oct. 13, 2021 after recent complications involving a long illness. He was born in Gardiner on August 26, 1936, the beloved son of the late Alfred and Bernice “Bunny” (Dyer) LaMontagne.

For nearly 60 years, he has been the devoted husband of his loving wife Marcia (Labonte) LaMontagne of Dover, NH.

Rey grew up at the family farm on Pleasant Hill Road, next door to his grandparents and uncle Percy Dyer. He attended Farrington and Cony High schools in Augusta, graduating in 1954. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force serving from 1955-59 as a radar/air traffic control operator at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida and later at Brunswick Naval Air Station in Maine.

Rey then began his career serving the people of Maine with the State Police, joining the 20th Training Troop in 1960. He was first assigned to Troop A in Kittery where he received the Trooper of the Year award in 1968. In 1971, Trooper LaMontagne was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, assigned to the Traffic Division. After relocating back to his Augusta hometown in ‘72 he went to Troop C in Skowhegan. In 1975, Sgt. LaMontagne was promoted to Lieutenant and assigned to the Criminal Division, and in 1979 to the rank of Captain, at which time he assumed command of the entire Criminal Division until his retirement in 1990.

Captain LaMontagne served with the ME State Police for 30 years and was involved in most every major event between 1960-1990. During his 15 year term as CID commander, he coordinated all homicide and other major investigations conducted by the MSP, gaining the respect of other law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, defense attorneys and judges state-wide. In his quest that the ME State Police be the standard of excellence, he recognized that up-to-date forensic technology was key to a high solve rate in homicide and high profile investigations, and Capt. LaMontagne was a driving force in developing the Maine State Police Crime Lab. In 2007, he received the Legendary Trooper Award, “presented to a retired officer whose accomplishments remain legendary, and whose personal qualities and contributions exemplify the highest standards of excellence that future officers will benefit from”.

After his retirement from the State Police, he joined the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Department as a process server, also working with the State Department of Agriculture in the Weights and Scales division.

From his boyhood, Rey was an avid hunter and fisherman in the outdoors of Maine, especially “upta camp at Frog Hollow in God’s country”, with his dearest Uncle Bill and Aunt Tine LaChance at Seboomook, on Moosehead Lake. Also living nearby since his childhood, they were instrumental in influencing his love of the great outdoors. Time enjoyed there with dear friends and family was the greatest joy and highlight of his retirement years.

Besides his wife, Rey is survived by his son, Mark and his wife Michelle, of Jacksonville, Fla. and his grandchildren Kevin and Anna also of Jacksonville, and his daughter Lisa of Augusta, and many other relatives, and special friends and neighbors.

Including his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife Rita (Dumais) of Augusta in 1957, and in laws Frederick and Velna LaBonte of Somersworth NH.

At his request, there will be no visiting hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Augusta on Oct. 25 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, followed by burial at St. Mary Cemetery in Manchester.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home in Augusta. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.

Rey’s family would like to extend special thanks to the wonderful staff of The Augusta Center for Health and Rehabilitation, and Constellations Hospice for their diligent and compassionate care for him in his final weeks.

In lieu of flowers,

contributions in Rey’s memory

may be made to:

Maine State Troopers Foundation

Scholarship Fund

101 Bangor Rd.

Unity ME 04988 or:

Russ & Carole Dyer Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society

138 Bragdon Rd.

Freeport, ME 04032